European Central Bank Adopts Privacy Policy for its Mediator/Ombuds

The European Central Bank has published a privacy statement for its Mediation/Ombuds Function, the independent service that assists staff in resolving workplace concerns. (Spyridon (Spyros) Antonelos was appointed the inaugural ECB Mediator/Ombuds in 2023.) The statement outlines strict limits on the collection, processing, and retention of personal data. Furthermore, the statement identifies how the IOA Standards of Practice are aligned with EU data protection law. 

According to the ECB statement, the Mediation/Ombuds Function does not record identifying information such as names, organizational units, or other details that could directly identify process participants, and working notes and correspondence are deleted when a case is closed. The policy permits the collection under participant consent of limited aggregated information, such as broad demographic categories and workplace themes, for statistical reporting and identification of systemic issues. (ECB Services Policy.)

Note: The ECB Mediator/Ombuds provided input for this post and commented that questions on data privacy can be raised by office visitors per the applicable E.U. legal framework.

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